Restrict Programs From Opening In Windows 7

Do you have a program on your computer that you would like Windows to block from opening? With a few tweaks to the Windows 7 registry, you can force it to prevent nearly any program of your choice from opening, and the process is entirely reversible!

How To Disallow Programs From Running In Windows 7

Step 1

Hold down the Windows Key and PressR to open the run dialog. In here Typeregedit and then PressEnter.

Step 2

Step 3

Right-Click in the right pane of the Explorer key and SelectNew > DWORD (32-bit) Value.Rename the new DWORD to:

DisallowRun

Step 4

Right-Click the DisallowRun DWORD you just created and SelectModify.* Set the Value data to 1 and then ClickOK.

*You can also just Double-Click the DisallowRun DWORD to modify it.

Step 5

Déjà vu! We’re going to create another DisallowRun, but this time it is going to be a registry key. Right-Click the Explorer key and then SelectNew > Key and name it DisallowRun.

Step 6

In the new DisallowRun key you just created, Right-Click in the right pane and SelectNew > String Value. Name the new String anything you like, but for organizational purposes, it would be a good idea to call it something in reference to the program you want to block.

Step 7

Modify the new String and for the value data Type in the process name. In my example, I’m going to block Internet Explorer, so I will disallow iexplore.exe from running. No need to include the full file path, just the name of the .exe file will do.

Step 8

Restart your computer for changes to take effect.

Done!

Now the designated programs should no longer open while you are using Windows 7! Groovy!

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About Austin Krause

Austin Krause is a groovyPost founding senior editor based in Tampa Bay, FL.